By COLlive reporter
Regardless of what happens in the upcoming Israel elections, Jewish activists in Brooklyn are grateful to the elected officials that attended Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s speech in Congress.
“We recognize the political considerations you were faced with, acknowledge, and appreciate your decision to attend,” the leadership of the Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition wrote to Congresswoman Yvette Clarke.
“In doing so, you represented your constituents, and the cause of freedom and liberty,” wrote Josh Mehlman, Chaskel Bennett, Loen Goldenberg and Avi Schick.
Netanyahu’s speech about the Iranian nuclear threat and the problematic deal with the Iranians was hotly contested. But all but one of New York City’s all-Democratic congressional delegation attended the speech, Hamodia noted.
Most of the opposition — which angered the Obama administration since Speaker John Boehner invited Netanyahu without consulting them — came from the Congressional Black Caucus, which was co-founded by Rep. Charles Rangel of Harlem, the newspaper reported.
The only congressman from New York City who did not attend was Gregory Meeks of Brooklyn.
Congresswoman Clarke reportedly decided to be present at the speech after speaking to Jewish activists and receiving numerous calls and emails to her office, following an article on COLlive.com.
“We are aware of the extent to which you were forced to balance conflicting interests in weighing your decision and we know that it was not easy for you,” wrote the leadership of the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council in reference to left-wing pressure.
Signed on that letter were Zaki Tamir (Chairman), Yossi Hackner (Vice Chairman), Fishel Brownstein (Treasurer), Chanina Sperlin (Governmental Affairs Liaison) and Eli Cohen (Executive Director).
“Many have children, parents and siblings in Israel, while viewing all their brethren as one large family,” they wrote about the close concern Brooklyn’s Jewish residents are showing towards Israel.
Letters were also written by Yaacov Behrman and Mendy Margolin of the Jewish Future Alliance, and Avi Lesches, Israel Clapman, Shloime Hecht and Yossi Baumgarten of the Young Leadership Political Club of Crown Heights.
Thank goodness we know when to….voice our displeasure and protest when we feel that our interests are compromised. And goodness again know when to….express our gratitude when an esteemed member of congers, Yvette Clarke stands up for us.
May the Almighty bless the Congresswoman Clarke in all her endeavors.
Is the best
The CH Kolel Menachem!!!
Rabbi Slavin kudos to you.
הצלחב רבה ומופלגה
We hear that the Kollel will again receive מעות חיטים
יישר כח to Reb SB Drizhn שיחי’ and the שלוחי מצוה R’ Eli and R’ Noach Fox .
Yes, R ‘ Eli wears MANY hats……..
Thank you to Congresswoman Clarke for attending, and to our local askonim for all your important work.
Ms. Clarke is a woman of sensitivity & deep values. Ironically, now it seems that Kerry himself is not so sure about where these talks are headed. You can never go wrong when you align yourself with Emes / Truth. Congratulations to her Mother for raising such a mench . ( now we see where Ms. Clarke gets her flair from ! )
Congresswoman thank you…
May the Almighty bless you and your with much joy, healthy and happiness.
Askonim thank you for thanking the congresswoman for representing us at the speech.
Congresswoman its good to know that israels safety is more important to you then politics. Thank you and g-d almighty bless you